Do I Have To Add My Dog To My Homeowners Insurance?
No, you don’t need to “add” your dog to your homeowners insurance like you would a driver on an auto policy. However, you should inform your insurer if you own a dog, especially if it’s a breed they consider high-risk. Some insurers exclude liability coverage for certain dog breeds, and failing to disclose your pet could result in a denied claim if your dog injures someone.
As a dog owner, it’s important to understand how your pet affects your homeowners insurance. While you don’t need to “add” your dog to your policy like a driver on car insurance, you should inform your insurer. Dogs can pose liability risks — especially if they bite someone or damage property.
Failing to disclose your pet could lead to a denied claim or policy cancellation. Even if your dog has no history of aggression, some breeds are considered high-risk and may impact your coverage or premium.
Key Takeaways
From dog bites to accidental damage, homeowners insurance may protect your dog, but it has to be added to your policy.
Not all dog breeds are covered by home insurance policies. Breeds in the pit bull family typically are not covered by most providers.
If your home insurance won’t cover your dog, then you’ll need to look for another homeowners insurance policy
Do I have To Add My Dog To My Homeowners Insurance?
Yes — you should inform your homeowners insurance provider if you have a dog. While you don’t “add” your dog the same way you would a listed driver on an auto policy, disclosing pet ownership is essential for liability protection.
Dog bites account for a significant portion of homeowners liability claims. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog-related injury claims cost insurers over $1 billion annually. Failing to disclose your dog could result in a denied claim or policy cancellation if an incident occurs.
What Dog Breeds Will Homeowners Insurance Not Cover?
Many homeowners insurance providers exclude or limit coverage for certain dog breeds they consider high-risk. These restrictions vary by insurer and state, but commonly restricted breeds include:
- Pit bulls (and related breeds)
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Wolf hybrids
- German Shepherds (especially mixes)
- Mastiffs
- Akitas
- Chow Chows
Breed restrictions are typically based on bite-related claim statistics and perceived aggression, not the individual dog’s behavior. For example, insurers often refer to the Molosser breed group, which includes pit bulls, Rottweilers, and mastiffs, breeds associated with more severe bite incidents due to their size and strength.
What Can I do If My Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover My Dog’s Breed?
If your homeowners insurance excludes your dog’s breed from liability coverage, you still have options:
- Shop around: Some insurers are more flexible with breed restrictions or assess dogs individually rather than by breed.
- Provide proof of training or certification: Certain carriers may offer coverage if your dog has completed behavior training or is certified through programs like the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC).
- Look for breed-friendly insurers: Some companies do not discriminate against commonly restricted breeds such as pit bulls or Rottweilers. You can start by searching for pit bull-friendly homeowners insurance providers.
Insurance Companies That Don’t Discriminate Dog Breeds
If you’ve struggled to get homeowners insurance due to your dog’s breed, you’re not alone. Many major insurers restrict or exclude coverage for breeds they consider high-risk. However, not all insurance companies follow blanket breed bans — some assess dogs based on individual behavior or bite history.
Breed-Neutral Insurance Companies
A few insurers are known for offering liability coverage regardless of breed:
- State Farm – Does not ask for breed information; evaluates dogs based solely on behavior and bite history.
- USAA – Generally does not restrict by breed but may vary depending on underwriter.
- Chubb – Known for offering high-end, breed-tolerant policies, often with custom liability options.
Know Your Local Laws
In addition to insurer restrictions, state and local laws may impact coverage or ownership:
- Pennsylvania and Michigan prohibit insurers from denying coverage based solely on breed.
- Ohio requires owners of dogs legally deemed “vicious” to carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage.
- More than 900 U.S. cities have breed-specific ordinances (BSL), which may restrict ownership of breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.
If your city prohibits ownership of a specific breed, your homeowners insurance policy will not cover liability — and you could be in violation of local laws.
Never Hide Your Dog from Your Insurer
It may be tempting to avoid disclosing your dog’s breed to your insurance provider, but doing so can void your policy. If an incident occurs and the insurer finds out you withheld information, you may be left fully liable for medical bills, legal fees, and property damage.
Tip: A few companies have a much shorter list of restricted dog breeds than others. Farmers, for example, typically only restricts coverage for pit bull breeds, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.
When Will Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Your Dog?
When it comes to your dog and your homeowners insurance policy, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered. Unfortunately, if your dog causes damage to the structure of your home, such as chewing through drywall or damaging a fence, you’ll likely have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
Similarly, if your dog destroys any of your personal property, such as furniture or shoes, your insurance policy won’t cover the cost of replacement.
However, there is one scenario where your policy might provide coverage: if your dog causes bodily injury to someone else. In that case, your policy may cover medical payments necessary for the injured party.
To avoid any unexpected expenses related to your dog, it’s a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy and consider additional liability insurance. By doing so, you can help ensure that you and your furry friend are adequately protected.
When Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Dog?
Once you’ve added your dog and paid the additional fee, your homeowners insurance policy will typically cover two key areas related to your furry friend.
First, if someone files a lawsuit against you due to a dog bite, you can file a claim under the personal liability portion of your policy. This coverage typically includes all expenses related to the lawsuit, including any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy’s limit.
Second, if your dog does bite someone and cause injury, your policy may cover their medical expenses. Generally, the maximum amount covered for medical bills is $10,000.
It’s important to review your homeowners insurance policy to fully understand what is and isn’t covered related to your dog. If you have any concerns or questions about your coverage, consider reaching out to your insurance agent for guidance. By doing so, you can help ensure that you and your furry friend are adequately protected in the event of an unexpected incident.
Compare Home Insurance Rates
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
In most cases, a dog bite is covered by your homeowners insurance under your personal liability coverage, even if it occurs off your property.
This type of coverage includes a set amount of money to pay for medical expenses and lawsuits arising from accidents that occur on your property or damages caused by you or your family, including a dog bite.
The minimum amount of personal liability coverage is typically $100,000, but if the claim costs more than that, you’ll be responsible for paying the excess charges yourself.
While the average dog bite claim in 2019 was just over $44,000, a serious injury and lawsuit could easily exceed the $100,000 mark. Therefore, it’s essential to have sufficient coverage for your furry friend.
Even if you think your dog is well-behaved and would never bite anyone, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Over four million people are bitten by dogs each year, and many dog bite claims are from first-time offenders.
It’s also important to note that different areas of the United States have different ways of determining who is at fault in a dog-bite incident. Some areas automatically deem the owner responsible in a bite case, while others require the victim to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Reviewing your area’s dog statutes and negligence laws can help you understand which laws apply to you.
If you don’t have your dog on your policy and an unfortunate incident occurs, your homeowners insurance won’t cover the claim, and you’ll be responsible for paying the medical bills and legal expenses yourself. So, make sure to add your furry friend to your policy and pay the additional fee to ensure that you’re protected in case of a dog bite.
Do I need To Tell My Insurance Company My Dog’s Breed?
It’s important to be honest about your dog’s breed and bite history when applying for or updating your homeowners insurance policy. Failing to do so could result in your insurer denying any future claims, potentially leaving you with expensive bills to cover on your own.
In addition, misrepresenting your dog’s information could be considered fraud, which could result in your policy being canceled altogether. Being truthful from the outset can save you a lot of headaches and financial stress down the line. Remember, honesty is the best policy.
Why do home insurance companies have breed restrictions?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their dog’s breed can influence their home insurance coverage — or even result in a denied application. But for insurers, breed restrictions are based on risk management.
Dog bites and related injuries account for a significant number of liability claims each year. According to the Insurance Information Institute, these claims cost insurers over $1 billion annually, with certain breeds statistically more likely to be involved in incidents.
As a result, many insurers place restrictions or exclusions on:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Wolf hybrids
- Akitas
- Mastiffs
- Doberman Pinschers
Some companies may not insure these breeds at all, while others will require behavior assessments or training documentation before providing coverage.
Dog Breeds Restricted by City Laws
In addition to insurer restrictions, many U.S. cities have passed breed-specific legislation (BSL) that bans or limits ownership of certain breeds, most commonly:
- Pit bulls
- Wolf hybrids
- Presa Canarios
- Cane Corsos
Owning a banned breed in a restricted city can lead to:
- Fines or forced removal of your pet
- Denied homeowners insurance or policy cancellation
- Difficulty finding new coverage in the future
For example, over 900 cities in the U.S. currently have breed-specific ordinances in place. And in some states, your insurance provider is legally allowed to cancel your policy if you violate local breed restrictions.
Before adopting or moving with a dog, it’s essential to:
- Check your city and state laws on breed ownership.
- Review your homeowners insurance policy for exclusions.
- Disclose your dog’s breed to avoid any claim denial risks.
Will My Homeowners Insurance Premium Go Up If I Have a Dog?
Yes, in some cases, your homeowners insurance premium may increase if you own a dog — especially if your dog’s breed is considered high-risk by your insurer.
Insurance providers assess liability risk when calculating premiums. Certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans, are statistically associated with more severe bite claims. If your dog falls into one of these categories, your insurer may:
- Increase your premium
- Exclude dog-related liability coverage
- Require additional documentation (e.g., training certificates)
Tip: Before disclosing your dog to your insurer, ask about breed restrictions and whether your premium will be affected. Shopping around can help you find more flexible options.
For breed-neutral insurers (like State Farm or USAA), your dog’s behavior and history often matter more than its breed — which can help keep your premium stable.
